MICK LOOKING TO HIT LOTTERY JACKPOT

We have proved a lot of people wrong, now we have a challenge to relish says boss ahead of biggest derby ever

Mick McCarthy is relishing the challenge of having a ticket for the Play-Off ‘lottery’ as Town take on Norwich with a place at Wembley at stake.

Blues host the Canaries in the Play-Offs semi-final first-leg at Portman Road on Saturday, kick-off at 12.15pm in what is a massive game for both clubs.

“I’ve been told it’s the biggest East Anglian derby ever - until next week’s game anyway!” writes the Town boss in his column in Saturday’s matchday programme.

“I can understand that, given what’s at stake and it’s why we are in football, to take part in games like these.

“I’ve said all along that it’s where we finished on May 2 that counted. Now it’s where we are on May 25 and to be able to say that is a tribute to what the players have achieved this season. They have been fantastic.

“When we kicked off back in August, our aim was to win automatic promotion. If we couldn’t do that, it was the top six. Not many people outside the Club gave us much of a chance of finishing in the Play-Offs, so we have proved a lot of people wrong. Now we have an unbelievable tie to look forward to.

“Norwich have probably the best squad in the Championship and I expected them to finish in the top two. We know how big the challenge is but it’s one that we are relishing.

“They will be seen as favourites but the Play-Offs can be a lottery and isn’t it great that we have a ticket!"

Subscribers to Ipswich Player can hear Mick’s thoughts about the game.